Plant Manager

Westlake Chemical; Okeechobee (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical is seeking a Manufacturing Operations Director to steer the plant’s activities in Florida and ensure adherence to company goals. You will lead manufacturing, plan layouts, direct workflows, and drive cost-effective production across the organization.

The role demands a Bachelor's degree in a technical field, 10+ years in manufacturing management, and Lean experience to optimize operations and safety. Westlake emphasizes continuous improvement and cross‑functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in technical or related field.
• Lean manufacturing experience (such as Six Sigma or Kaizen) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, planning, and assist in directing manufacturing activities, personnel, and projects.
• Responsible for planning and directing the layout of equipment, workflow, processing methods, and work force utilization.
• Plan, develop, and implement strategies to meet plant and company goals within agreed upon budgets and timeframes.
• Develop programs and strategies to optimize operations and increase production.
• Develop supervisory and managerial staff.
• Develop a data driven culture to make logical and timely decisions.
• Serve as liaison between manufacturing and other departments to understand all necessary aspects and needs of operational development.
• Work with Continuous Improvement team to carry out lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work with sales department and product development department to ensure customer satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Planning

Communication

Time management

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in technical or related field

Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

Job Summary

Directs the activities of manufacturing operations of the plant in accordance with established company goals and objectives.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, planning, and assist in directing manufacturing activities, personnel, and projects
• Responsible for planning and directing the layout of equipment, workflow, processing methods, and work force utilization.
• Plan, develop, and implement strategies to meet plant and company goals within agreed upon budgets and timeframes.
• Develop programs and strategies to optimize operations and increase production.
• Develop supervisory and managerial staff.
• Develop a data driven culture to make logical and timely decisions.
• Serve as liaison between manufacturing and other departments to understand all necessary aspects and needs of operational development.
• Work with Continuous Improvement team to carry out lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work with sales department and product development department to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Visit/call suppliers and vendors to obtain information regarding manufacturing activities and projects.
• Develop Plant Operating and Capital Budgets based on current and future market demand.
• Administer company policies and procedures in a fair and consistent manner.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state safety and environmental regulations.
• Maintain a safe working environment for all employees and ensure that employees follow established safety rules to ensure the goal of zero injuries.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in technical or related field
• A minimum of ten years in industry-based management of manufacturing operations.
• Lean manufacturing experience (such as Six Sigma or Kaizen) is preferred.

Skills

• Must be a self-starter with good time management and communication skills; be able to organize people and tasks; possess strong leadership skills; and proven track record of identifying and developing talent.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general plant financial reports and P&L’s, technical procedures and governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals and the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Communication

Must possess excellent interpersonal along with strong verbal and written communication skills.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

Westlake is a global manufacturer and supplier of materials and innovative products that enhance life every day. Headquartered in Houston, with operations in Asia, Europe and North America, we provide the building blocks for vital solutions — from housing and construction, to packaging and healthcare, to automotive and consumer. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.westlake.com. Westlake (NYSE: WLK) is a global diversified industrial company that manufactures and supplies essential products that enhance the daily lives of people around the globe. Our products, now under a One Westlake brand, supply the necessary building blocks for everyday products across housing and infrastructure, packaging and healthcare, and automotive and consumer goods. Consumers gain the benefits of materials Westlake produces in products such as food packaging, medical devices, soaps and detergents, car interiors, fashion, toys, shoes, furniture, electronics, siding, stone veneer, windows, outdoor living, roofing, and pipe & fittings. Westlake is proud to contribute to driving a sustainable future through the creation of essential products that are Enhancing Your Life Every Day®.

To view other career opportunities at Westlake and our family of companies, visit https://westlaketalent.com